Module 8 EDU6526

The role of character education and values education should be started at home and continued at school through great teaching practices.  According to RCW 28A.150.211, there are eight values and traits which the state deems are “essential to individual liberty, fulfillment, and happiness.”(http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28A.150.211)  Although the students are not required to be assessed on these values, it is the job of the teachers to figure out how their district is applying these values in their schools.

Personally, I believe I will both teach and help my students “catch” the values I believe in which align with Washington state law.  Whenever the opportunity arises when a student exhibits a value which is does not align with those the state has outlined such as honesty, integrity, and trust, I will provide the student a chance to change their behavior.  I will be teaching that student the values as well as the class which is also learning.  The most promising classroom management system I have encountered so far is called the “Love and Logic” system.  I will also demonstrate values to the students through my daily actions.  This is because, according to Kirk (1987) “Boys and girls will model themselves, if they can, upon exemplars.”  It is not enough for me to teach the students what they should or should not be doing, I need to demonstrate how well everything turns out when they are lived out.

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